🛫 Airport officials warn you need REAL ID by May

🦠 PA’s First Measles Case of 2025 Confirmed in MontCo

As measles cases rise across the country, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the first measles case in the state this year is linked to an unvaccinated child in Montgomery County. After traveling internationally, the child visited several places during their infectious period. The virus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing. [NBC10]

🌮 Mexican Flavors Coming to Fishtown

Spring is coming and flowers will bloom at El Chingón’s margarita garden in Fishtown. The new location will take over the now-closed Heffe taquería on Frankford Ave. Chef Carlos Aparicio will turn the restaurant’s yard space into a seasonal garden serving drinks from Bluebird Distilling. More than half of El Chingón’s South Philly menu will be served at the new site, including its cemitas. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: El Chingón’s ability to expand is a testament to its popularity and according to the Inquirer, it’s one of 76 places you must try in Philly. In case you missed this episode, Trenae broke down the decision-making process behind the list with editors Margaret Eby and Matt Buchanan.

✈️ Clock’s Ticking To Get REAL ID

The May 7 deadline to get a REAL ID is approaching … for real this time. The extra form of identification is optional for Pennsylvanians but REAL ID will be needed to fly domestically, enter military bases, or visit a federal facility that requires ID upon entry. REAL ID will cost $30 and mark your state-issued driver’s license or identification card as compliant with a gold star. [CBS Philly]

🏗️ Eyes on the Sky As Developments Continue To Tower Over Philly

While not all developments are set to open this year, the makeup of Philly’s skyline and neighborhoods will begin to change as new construction forges ahead. Some new additions include Chubb’s 18-story HQ, a tower in Rittenhouse, and Navy Yard apartments. [Axios]

Philly loves our furry friends. We love them so much, we have the eighth highest dog population among large American cities! But we also kind of have a dog problem – primarily because of their poop. Despite the number of dog parks in the city, there aren’t enough designated places for pups to play or go when they gotta go. Much like how we avoid potholes, stepping around doggy dung has become part of daily life in Philly.

One resident has taken matters into her own hands with her own pet project.

A City Cast Philly subscriber and Cobbs Creek resident who goes by the moniker Coco Hernandez is no stranger to what she calls “Doggie-Doo Dodge Two-Step.” Having moved to the neighborhood a decade ago, she was excited to live in a community that would be perfect to walk her dogs but realized quickly that she had to constantly watch her step. Hernandez said vacant lots are especially susceptible to becoming “dookie land.”

Hernandez has seen signage intended to deter violators, but it can sometimes be a lost cause, especially when other crimes take precedence in the city.

“Occasionally, one might encounter a health department sign: ‘Leash, gutter and clean up after your dog’ listing the $200 fine for getting caught,” Hernandez said. “But... c'mon. Get real. I've yet to see an enforcement on this.”

The current model wasn’t working, so Hernandez wondered if instead of complaining about the problem, she could be part of the solution. Thus, her so-called Just Pick Up The Poo campaign was born.

“Many people don't want to be confrontational when they see dog-walkers not picking up after their dogs.” Hernandez said. “But if there are signs to point to, and especially with a doggie-dookie baggie handy, then you give neighbors a way to attempt to hold neighbors accountable.”